Hveravellir Geothermal Area - Hot Springs in Iceland

Lava fields in Iceland and a thermal pool

Thermal pool

Hveravellir is a unique nature reserve situated on the Kjolur route in the middle of the west highlands between the glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull. Hveravellir is one of the most beautiful geothermal areas in the world with smoking fumarolees and beautifully shaped with sky blue, boiling water. It is a special experience to have a look around, whether it is in the summer or winter.

Steam escaping

Hveravellir is located on the Kjolur route (number F35), which runs across the middle highlands from Gullfoss in the south to Blondudal in the north. The length of the route is 200 km. The distance from Gullfoss to Hveravellir is about 90 km but the distance to Blöndudal is about 110 km. Hveravellir lies about halfway between Reykjavik and Akureyri, but there are about 200 km in either direction.

We can drive you to Hveravellir almost every day of the year -- to real adventures in the middle of Iceland.

Housing and dining

Hveravellir has 2 houses for accommodation. One has room for 33 people in sleeping bags, the other one for twenty people in 3 separate rooms.

It offers both made-up beds and sleeping bag accommodations. During the summer months Hveravellir operates a small restaurant seating 25 people. During the winter the restaurant is only open for groups with advance reservations.

Activities

Kjalhraun is an enormous lava field (10–12 cubic kilometers) not far from Hveravellir. The lava reaches the geothermal area. It covers a total of 180 square kilometers through which one can find many fascinating walking routes as for example to the circular crater which measures 900 meters in diameter. Kjalhraun was formed in a gigantic eruption around 8000 years ago.

Steam pillars

There are a number of other walking routes in the vicinity, for example to Rjupnafell, Thjofadalir, Jokulkrok and up to or on to the glacier Langjökull. Longer routes, for example to Hvitarvatn in the south as well as over the old route over Kjalhraun or along the borders of the glacier Langjökull, are also available. A fascinating route is also along the northern part of Langjökull and through Hallmundarhraun to Husafell.

A further nice route leads around Hrutfell from where one can enjoy an extraordinary view over the area. There are an almost endless number of routes to choose from and everyone is sure to find something to suit their taste.

Northern Lights

There is a horse rental at Hveravellir. A number of horse riding trails can be found in the surrounding area. One can choose between tours lasting a few hours, a whole day or even a number of days. The Icelandic horse is used to this rough terrain as it was the only mode of transportation over this route when the first settlers arrived in the country. ATV‘s can also be rented at Hveravellir. One can find just as many routes to enjoy on an ATV as on horse back or on foot. Tours are also offered to Hofsjokull glacier, to the lava caves in Kjalhraun.

Geothermal pool

The geothermal pool at Hveravellir is unique. Both hot and cold water flows to the pool, which makes it easy to regulate the temperature of the water in the pool. The water flows quickly, which means that the water is clean at all times and the medicinal qualities of the water are scientifically proven. Over 20 people can comfortably bathe in the pool at the same time. The pool and its entire surroundings are magnificent, offering a beautiful view of the geothermal area, Kjalhraun lava field and Langjökull. There are only a few things that can compare to a dip into the pool after a walking, riding or ATV tour to relax.

Two day tour to Hveravellir

We leave from Reykjavik head for the Golden Circle route where you get to experience Thingvellir national park, Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. If weather and conditions allow, we could stop at Langjokull glacier and do a little glacier hiking. After that we drive on through the mountain road Kjolur. When we arrive at Hveravellir we relax in the natural geothermal hot pool, do some light hiking and take a look at the amazing hot spring area. After dinner we might have a chance of seeing the northern lights. On the next day we travel back to Reykjavik through Kjolur mountain road.